To address the challenges of overfishing, disease, pollution, and forced labour in the global shrimp trade, Vietnam’s shrimp industry is undergoing a significant transformation by embracing technology for sustainable and controlled aquaculture practices. Viet Uc, the country’s largest hatchery, recently marked a milestone with the inauguration of a $17 million fully integrated shrimp processing plant, covering every step from larva cultivation to shrimp export.
The move towards artificial ponds equipped with advanced technology, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), aims to enhance sustainability by allowing controlled water quality and climate. RAS, known for continuously filtering and reusing water, offers a more eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional open environment shrimp farming.
Viet Uc’s state-of-the-art factory, reported to be 70% automated and covering an expansive area equivalent to 14 soccer fields, signifies a substantial step in the industry’s transition towards technological advancements. The company emphasizes the use of “flow-through” systems and advanced breeding technologies, including molecular and quantitative genetic methods. These measures are designed to ensure better adaptation and stronger resistance to diseases, aligning with a commitment to sustainable and responsible aquaculture.
While these technological advancements contribute to environmentally sustainable farming practices, industry analysts acknowledge that they may come with higher upfront costs. Notably, RAS is considered more efficient and involves less groundwater pumping than traditional farms. However, consumers may need to accept the prospect of higher shrimp prices as a trade-off for these sustainable and advanced farming practices.
Vietnam, the world’s third-largest exporter of frozen shrimp, is embracing these technological shifts to address ecological and social challenges associated with traditional shrimp farming methods. The global demand for shrimp, reaching a value of $22 billion by 2021, has driven the industry to explore innovative and sustainable methods to meet this insatiable appetite. As the sector undergoes this transformative journey, technology-enabled practices are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term viability and responsible production of shrimp in Vietnam and beyond.
